Source: Linda Teener, 785-539-8763, lteener@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.tryufm.org
Hometown connection/news tip: Manhattan
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012
Green thumb, good works earn Marr UFM's Grassroots Community Education Award
MANHATTAN -- A retired state extension horticulture professional is being recognized by Kansas State University's UFM Community Learning Center for sharing his gardening expertise with many throughout the state.
Chuck Marr, Manhattan, has received the 2012 UFM Grassroots Community Education Award. He is the 32nd recipient of the annual award, which recognizes someone in Kansas who has made an outstanding contribution to grassroots community education and learning.
Marr, professor emeritus of horticulture at Kansas State University,served on the board of directors for the Manhattan Community Garden for three years, chairing the board for one year. He now serves as a consultant to the board, advising board members on issues and conflicts. He also helped with the design and mapping of the organization's new Collins Lane garden location.
In addition, Marr writes a weekly garden e-newsletter for organization members that provides advice on planting, weeding and insect activity.
"The e-newsletter is so popular that UFM has had requests to send it well beyond the Manhattan Community Garden membership," said Linda Teener, executive director of UFM Community Learning Center.
Marr grew up on a farm west of Springfield, Ill. He received his bachelor's and master’s degrees in plant science from the University of Illinois and his doctorate in agricultural plant and soil science from the University of Tennessee. He spent 37 years with K-State Research and Extension, where he did research and outreach in the area of vegetable crops.
"Chuck is respected throughout the area for his knowledge of gardening and his ability to work with others to create effective gardening spaces," Teener said. "He is a modest man who has reached many more gardeners than he will tell you about. He was a consultant on the development of the Fort Riley Community Gardenproject a few years ago. He also has written numerous publications on gardening and gardening spaces."
UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving Kansas State University, the Manhattan area and communities across the state of Kansas. More information is available at http://www.tryufm.org.
